New study reveals the cities where Brits have most disposable income in 2025

If you're coupled up in the UK, some cities will be kinder to you financially. That's according to new research from specialist mortgage lender Pepper Money, anyway. The company recently conducted a study to find where British couples have the least and most disposable income, and you'll be surprised by the results. While a northern gem came out on top, other cities - that are renowned for being pricey - also fared particularly well (Picture: Getty Images)

Pepper Money explained that, while wages across the UK are rising, many Brits are finding they have less money left at the end of the month in certain areas. This means the average Brit’s disposable income is shrinking, despite a national living wage increase and higher median salaries. The research - based on couples who own a home together - looked at essential outgoings such as mortgages, utility bills, and car finance, plus average wages. With all of these paid off, they then did the math to find out how much each couple was left with at the end of the month. Curious about how your home city fares in terms of disposable income? Here are the top 10 cities: (Picture: Getty Images)

10. Manchester

Average monthly salary: £2,304.13
Total bills: £1,418 
Average disposable income available: £886.51

At number 10 is Manchester, which has an affordable cost of living, especially when compared to other large cities like London. Student accommodation site uhomes ranked Manchester the 13th cheapest place to live in the UK. In 2024, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the average house price in the northern city is £257,000. So, for couples with more money to burn at the end of the month, Manchester is a great place to spend it (Picture: Getty Images)

9. Leeds

Average monthly salary: £2,334.59
Total bills: £1,400 
Average disposable income available: £934.48 

Next up is Leeds, a major city in West Yorkshire. While it's not the cheapest place to live, it is considered generally more affordable than other major cities. In May 2025, the ONS revealed that the average house price here is £241,000. From exploring the historic Kirkgate Market to grabbing cocktails at one of the many indie bars, there's a lot to spend your extra cash on in Leeds (Picture: Getty Images)

8. Sheffield

Average monthly salary: £2,352.12 
Total bills: £1,381
Average disposable income available: £971.33 

The third northern (and second Yorkshire) city to make the list is Sheffield. The cost of living is significantly lower than Manchester's - according to the Sheffield College, it's 10% lower than the national average, and 25% lower than London. House prices here average at £221,000 as of January 2025 (Picture: Getty Images)

7. Liverpool

Average monthly salary: £2,226.75 
Total bills: £1,248 
Average disposable income available: £978.80

Liverpool has so much going for it. From the iconic Docks to delving into the music scene at the Cavern Club, there's never a dull moment in the city. And, there's always an activity to spend your cash on. Expatistan estimates the cost of living in Liverpool is 47% cheaper than London, while house prices average around £180,000. This is way cheaper than the previous fellow northern cities on this list (Picture: Getty Images)

6. Nottingham

Average monthly salary: £2,257.82
Total bills: £1,241 
Average disposable income available: £1,016.72 

Further down south to the Midlands now, and Nottingham has come in at a respectable sixth place. According to whatuni, the cost of living in Nottingham is quite close to the national average, but is around 18% cheaper than London. But, Rightmove prices houses a little higher, at £265,448 on average. With couples having over a grand to spend per month, it's worth checking out Nottingham Castle, the City of Caves, and the Old Market Square (Picture: Getty Images)

5. Belfast

Average monthly salary: £2,120.69
Total bills: £1,100  
Average disposable income available: £1,020.95 

In 2024, the cost of living in Belfast was around 37% lower than in London. As of the first quarter of 2024, the average house price in Northern Ireland's capital was approximately £216,098. There's so much to do in Belfast that suits every kind of person, from taking part in a seisiún (traditional Irish music session) in a local pub to diving into the city's history at Belfast City Hall. Or, experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of St. George's Market (Picture: Getty Images)

4. Glasgow

Average monthly salary: £2,439.84
Total bills: £1,300 
Average disposable income available: £1,140.18 

Glasgow is considered to be more affordable than Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, and the UK's capital in general. Living in Glasgow is, on average, 20% cheaper than in London and 10% cheaper than the rest of the UK. House prices are also way more affordable, coming in at £188,000 as per the ONS. And, with almost £1,200 to spare after monthly outgoings, couples can enjoy the best of the Scottish city. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum, and strolling through the Glasgow Botanic Gardens are highlights. Glasgow also has a thriving nightlife ready and waiting for you to splash the cash, too (Picture: Getty Images)

3. Edinburgh

Average monthly salary: £2,760.42
Total bills: £1,581 
Average disposable income available: £1,179.25 

Considering Edinburgh is renowned for being an incredibly expensive city, it's quite shocking to see it offering one of the highest disposable incomes in the UK. In 2023, it was actually named the third most expensive city to live in in the UK. Still, for home-owning couples (the average price sits at around £295,000), Edinburgh is a vibrant city that can provide a high standard of living. From the annual Fringe festival, exploring Edinburgh Castle to taking part in a Scotch Whisky Experience, there's never a dull moment in the Scottish capital (Picture: Getty Images)

2. Coventry

Average monthly salary: £2,671.22
Total bills: £1,340 
Average disposable income available: £1,331.11 

At number two is Coventry, where couples have over £1,300 to fritter away each month. In contrast to Edinburgh, the cost of living is a lot lower here. So are house prices, averaging around £224,000. Though Coventry isn't considered a 'day tripping' kind of town, it has a lot to offer residents. This includes Coventry Cathedral and FarGo Village, the city's creative quarter (Picture: Getty Images)

1. Newcastle

Average monthly salary: £2,775.69
Total bills: £1,304 
Average disposable income available: £1,471.27 

Last but not least, it's Newcastle. With almost £1,500 of disposable income for couples, the city can be enjoyed without having to stress too much about money. Not only this, but Newcastle is known for being quite an affordable place to live: it's 23.0% less expensive than London, and has an average house price of £237,760. So, what can you spend your hard-earned cash on? Why not catch a show at the Theatre Royal, immerse yourself in live music at the Glasshouse International Centre for Music, or take a guided tour of Victoria Tunnel, a preserved 19th-century coal waggonway and wartime air-raid shelter. Even walking through the cobbled streets of Newcastle, and hopping into one of the many restaurants and bars, is a lovely way to while away your spare time (Picture: Getty Images)